Hand steaming device

ABSTRACT

A hand steaming device including a reservoir casing having a cover attached thereto. Located on the cover is steam discharge means and water intake means with the water intake means adapted to receive water which can flow through the cover to the reservoir casing. An electrode casing in which steam is produced is secured to the cover and includes a restricted steam discharge opening and means is provided for guiding the steam produced in the electrode casing through the restricted discharge opening to the steam discharge means. A pair of spaced-apart electrodes extend partially into the electrode casing and means is provided for allowing the water to flow from the reservoir casing to the electrode casing when the electrode casing restricted discharge opening is able to discharge steam as rapidly as it is produced and for reversing this transfer when the electrode casing restricted steam discharge opening is not able to discharge steam as rapidly as it is produced. Means is provided for moving moisture trapped in the steam before it reaches the steam discharge means. The cover has accessory attaching means adjacent the steam discharge means to which can be attached a brush or a roller accessory.

United States Patent Osrow [54] HAND STEAMING DEVICE [72] Inventor:Leonard Osrow, Great Neck, NY.

Osrow Products Company, Inc., Glen Cove, NY.

[22] Filed: Nov. 2, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 86,215

[73] Assignee:

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,885,527 5/1959 Tone et a1..219/285 X 2,847,734 8/1958 Tauben ..21/119 3,351,737 11/1967 Katzmanet a]. ...2l9/275 X 1,124,884 1/1915 Gemignani ..38/69 2,849,736 9/1958Kohle .68/222 X 1,453,433 5/1923 Brunel1i.. ..68/222 X 3,470,719 10/1969Frank ..219/271 X 2,818,486 12/1957 Schmitt et al v ..219/275 3,308,2673/1967 Fenstermaker... ...219/285 X 3,098,926 7/ 1963 Katzman ..219/289X 1 Feb. 29, 1972 2,686,694 8/1954 Freeman ..68/222X Primary Examiner-C.L. Albritton Attorney-Kirschstein, Kirschstein, Ottinger & Frank [57]ABSTRACT A hand steaming device including a reservoir casing having acover attached thereto. Located on the cover is steam discharge meansand water intake means with the water intake means adapted to receivewater which can flow through the cover to the reservoir casing. Anelectrode casing in which steam is produced is secured to the cover andincludes a restricted steam discharge opening and means is provided forguiding the steam produced in the electrode casing through therestricted discharge opening to the steam discharge means. A pair ofspaced-apart electrodes extend partially into the electrode casing andmeans is provided for allowing the water to flow from the reservoircasing to the electrode casing when the electrode casing restricteddischarge opening is able to discharge steam as rapidly as it isproduced and for reversing this transfer when the electrode casingrestricted steam discharge opening is not able to discharge steam asrapidly. as it is produced. Means is provided for moving moisturetrapped in the steam before it reaches the steam discharge means. Thecover has accessory attaching means adjacent the steam discharge meansto which can be attached a brush or a roller accessory.

27 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PATENIEUFEBZS I972 3,646,317

SHEET 1 [IF 3 INVENTOR LEONARD OSROW Y lwblmfugl L AJM MM MK ATTORNEYSPATENTEUFEBES I972 3,646,317

sum 3 0r 3 I {u v .NVEN-TOR Fl BY LEONARD OSROW Kowdw MLAdA- ATTORNEYSHAND STEAMING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of theInvention Hand Steamer 2. Description of the Prior Art v Hand steamershave been used for many years for pressing clothing, removing wrinklesfrom clothing, steaming drapes, etc. There have been many differenttypes of hand steamers used in the past with varying degrees of success.One type of hand steamer was an immersion type wherein an electricalheating element was placed in a reservoir of water and when energizedcaused the water to boil and produce steam. The steam was then directedthrough a nozzle of some sort against whatever item was to be steamed.Another kind of hand steamer known in the prior art involved having apair of spaced-apart electrodes located in a reservoir of water. Usuallytable salt was added to the water in order to ensure that current couldbe passed between the electrodes. When current was passed between theelectrodes the water boiled creating steam which was then directedagainst an article of clothing, etc. With many of the prior art handsteamers which included a pair of spaced-apart electrodes, when thelevel of water in the reservoir was too high and the conductivity of thewater was too good, e.g., because of a high level of inorganic salts inthe tap water or the adding of too much table salt, an excess of current(higher than that for which the steamer was designed) flowing betweenthe electrodes resulted in steam being generated more rapidly thanrequired, and more rapidly than could be safely discharged through thedischarge nozzle in a home appliance. Also under such conditions thecurrent drawn by the steamer exceeded the current that the electricparts were designed to pass.

A further drawback of many prior art steamers was that the steamproduced included droplets of water which tended to stain the item beingsteamed and which retarded removing wrinkles etc.

Still another drawback with many prior art hand steamers of both theimmersion type and the type that utilized spacedapart electrodes in areservoir of water was that it was possible for a person eitherintentionally or inadvertently to insert a piece of metal through thedischarge nozzle into contact with an electrical component of thesteamer, thus giving himself a severe shock.

Also prior art hand-held steamers had no adjuncts that could enable asteamer to crease or to roll out wrinkles in conjunction with the steambeing applied thereto, as for example, to use a roller with theapplication of the steam for resetting creases of trousers, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the presentinvention to provide an improved hand steamer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved handsteamer wherein the steamer produces steam by having two energizedelectrodes located in a reservoir containing water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means forregulating the amount of steam that is produced in a steamer whichutilizes spaced-apart electrodes in a reservoir of water, thisregardless of the level and electrical conductivity of the water in thereservoir.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hand steamerhaving a pair of spaced-apart electrodes in a reservoir of water whereinaccess to the electrodes and the conductors therefor is prevented.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hand steamerof the type hereinabove described wherein the steamer includes adetachable roller which can be rolled against an item while steam isdirected there against.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a steamer havingdetachable means to brush an item while the item is being steamed.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a steamerthat can produce steam with a minimum of water therein.

Thus there is provided a steamer which achieves the objects of theinvention as well as other objects not specifically herein set forth,and that is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

Briefly, in one aspect of the present invention, the foregoing and otherobjects are achieved in a hand steamer device having a reservoir casingand a cover attached thereto. The cover includes a steam-guiding channelwhich is positioned adjacent a steam discharge slot. The slot is at thebottom of a concave channel that tends to stretch fabric when pressedagainst the same so as to flatten and remove mild wrinkles duringsteaming. Secured to the cover are a pair of conductors which projectexternally therefrom and which may be connected to any conventionalsource of AC power. Each conductor projects through a wall in the coverand is connected to an electrode. The electrodes are separated from eachother at their uppermost portions by a partition and extend downwardlyand in parallel relation into an electrode casing which is attached tothe steamer cover. The electrode casing is enclosed on its sides andbottom with the exception of there being an opening at the bottomthereof and the reservoir casing surrounds the electrode casing.Additionally, there is a restricted opening at the top of the electrodecasing through which steam flows to' the steam-guiding channel as willhereinafter be described. A baffle is located on top of the electrodecasing and extends toward the steam-guiding channel and the steamproduced impinges on the baffle and on a shelf which extends towardssaid baffle where the moisture in the steam is trapped and falls intothe reservoir casing and the steam then passes between the shelf andbaffle to the channel. The shelf prevents flow of water from thereservoir casing to the channel in normal handling of the steamer evenwhen the discharge slot is tilted downwardly. An opening for water islocated in the cover and is adapted to receive water which flows intothe reservoir casmg.

In normal operation an AC voltage is applied to the conductors whichproject outwardly from the cover and hence to each of the electrodes.Water is in the reservoir casing and via the opening at the bottom ofthe electrode casing enters the electrode casing and is normallymaintained at the same level as the water in the reservoir casing. Thevoltage to the electrodes induces flow of current through the water thatcauses the water in the electrode casing to boil and steam is producedwhich is directed to the steam-guiding channel as hereinabove describedand is discharged through the steam discharge slot.

If more than the designed safe amount of current flows to the electrodesand steam is formed more rapidly than can readily flow through therestricted opening at the top of the electrode casing, the pressure ofthe steam will build up in the electrode casing due to the restrictedarea of the discharge opening, forcing the water out of the electrodecasing through the opening in the bottom thereof into the reservoircasing to thereby reduce the area of the electrodes immersed in thewater and thus to reduce the rate of current flow and steam formation.This automatic current and steam limitation occurs because the aforesaidrestricted opening is of a limited area and hence acts to retard therapid discharge of steam thus building up the pressure of the steam inthe electrode casing to produce the above described result.

If desired, a brush or roller may be detachably attached to the steamerto be used in conjunction therewith.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention,and as various changes may be made of the embodiment set forth, it is tobe understood that all matter herein described or shown in theaccompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a steamer embodying the present invention witha roller attached thereto;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the steamer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially broken away front view of the assembled electrodecasing and steamer cover of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 44 of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 7-7 ofFIG. 2; FIG. 8 is a partially broken front view of the reservoir casingof the steamer;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the steamer;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-10 ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 11--l1ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the handle for the steamer;

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the handle of the steamer;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a roller attachment for the steamer;

FIG. 15 is atop plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the roller structure shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 17l7 ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a brush attachment for the steamer of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the structure shown in FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawingsa steamer 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. Thesteamer includes a water reservoir casing 12 having a handle 14. A cover16 is secured to the top of the reservoir casing 12 and a cap 17 has itsskirt press fitted into an opening located on top section 16a of cover16 (FIG. 9). As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 cover 16 includes a basesection 16b and a steam-guiding upper curved portion 16c which extendsupwardly and away from base 16b. To eliminate shock hazard, the casing,handle and cap are fabricated from plastic.

A rear wall 16d of cover 16 includes a rearwardly opening cavity 16cwith there being a cavity base wall 16f (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). The cavitydoes not extend to the opposed sides 16g and 16h of cover 16 (FIG. 3)since it is narrower in width than the width of rear wall 16d (FIG. 5).Secured to cavity base wall 16] in a spaced-apart relation are conductorpins 18 and 20. Each conductor pin includes an integral nut at theportion of the pin adjacent the outside surface of cavity wall 16f and athreaded shaft extends from each nut through the cavity base wall intothe interior of cover 16. Parallel walls 16j and 16k (FIG. 5) extendinwardly from cavity base wall 16f to a partition 16m (FIG. 4) whichextends transversely between the sides 16g and 16h of the cover.Partition l6n extends from cavity base wall 16f to partition 16m anddefines electrode head chambers 24 and 26. The threaded shafts of theconductor pins extend respectively into the electrode chambers.Partition l6n extends above cavity base wall 16f and runs all the way torear wall 16d (FIG. 4). The bottoms of electrode head chambers 24 and 26are each substantially closed by a horizontal partition 16p. Wallsl6j'and 16k as well as a portion of partitions l6n and 16mand anextension of cavity base wall 16f within cover 16 depend beneath theelectrode chambers to a common horizontal plane. An L-shaped slotextends through partition 16p in each electrode chamber for a reasonthat will soon be apparent. A pin support horizontal flange l6q (FIG. 3)extends from wall 16], is coplanar with partition 16p and has edgesparallel and spaced from side 16h. A pin l6r depends from the flangeI6q, and in a like fashion, a flange 16s extends from wall 16k, iscoplanar with partition 16p and has a pin l6r' depending therefrom.

A skirt 16: extends about the periphery of base 16b and is parallel to adepending annular wall l6u that projects beneath it. Skirt 16! is aboutone-fourth the height of annular wall 16a and is in surrounding relationthereto and the top of reservoir casing 12 is secured as by cementbetween the skirt and annular wall to the steamer cover.

A baffle plate 28 includes a slot 281: at its center portion withflanges depending from the underside of said baffle and flanking theslot. The flanges also flank the top of partition l6n and baffle 28 issecured as by cement in this position to prevent access to the top ofthe electrode head chambers and for other reasons that will soon beapparent. Baffle 28 has four edges and is configured so that one edgethereof is in contact with the inner surface of wall 16d and the otheredges are flanked by sides 16g and 16h with the fourth edge extendingslightly past partition 16m and being parallel thereto. A water trappingshelf 16v extends inwardly from the front wall 16w of base section 16band is parallel to top section 1611. The free end of shelf 16v and freeend of baffle 28 are adjacent to each other for a reason that will soonbe apparent.

A discharge plate 30 is secured to the uppermost portion of steamersection and includes a rectangular slot 30a which is the steam dischargeslot. The slot is located and runs along the bottom of a concave channel30b. A hollow steam guiding member 32 having a rear wall 320, with anopening therein defines a passageway and is fixed relative to coverplate 30 with the passageway in communication with discharge slot 30a.The sidewalls 32b and 32c are spaced from the sides of the cover for areason that will soon be apparent.

Located within each of the electrode head chambers are the tops of metalelectrodes 34 and 36 and as the electrodes are identical to each other adescription of one electrode will suffice for an understanding of theinvention. Electrode 34 includes an L-shaped upper portion and hasthreaded into it the threaded end of the conductor which extends intoelectrode head chamber 24 (FIG. 5). The upper portion of electrode 34extends through the L-shaped opening in the bottom of electrode chamber24 and immediately therebeneath the narrow leg of the electrode is bentso as to be parallel to and spaced from the wider leg (FIG. 3) so thatthe portion of the electrode beneath the partition 16p is U-shaped.Electrode 36 is similarly situated and arranged with respect to chamber26.

An electrode casing 38 which includes parallel back and front walls 38aand 38b (FIG. 4) and sides 38c and 38d (FIG. 3) which are inclineddownwardly with respect to each other has horizontal flanges 38c and 38fextending away from the uppermost portion of sides 38c and 38d. Eachflange includes a hole which receives the pins l6r, 16r' that dependfrom flanges l6q and 16s respectively and is cemented thereto. Theuppermost portion of walls 38a and 38b is cut away (FIG. 6) and slot 38gextends across the bottom of electrode casing 38 and through walls 38aand 38b to provide a passageway between the interior of the electrodecasing and the interior of the reservoir casing. A restricted opening ris formed in the portion of the openings in walls 380 and 38b that isnot closed by partition 16m and wall 16f (FIGS. 3 and 6).

Located underneath the portion of cover 16 in which the steam guidechannel 32 is located are parallel accessory supporting members 16y and16x. Each member includes two walls that are parallel to each other andwhich extend from the under surface of the curved portion of cover 16which includes the steam-guiding channel to a location nearly directlybeneath plate 30. A bottom wall extends between the parallel walls and aslot extends for a substantial portion of the length of the bottom wallrearwardly from the front edge of said wall. The space between thebottom wall and parallel wall cooperate with the slot to form a T-shapedpassageway for reception of accessories beneath the plate 30.

Handle 14 includes a vertical T-shaped locking member 14a (FIG. 11)extending from the inside surface 14b thereof with the vertical edges ofthe locking member inclined towards each other. Reservoir casing 12includes a T-shaped slot 12a which extends from the bottom of thereservoir to a short distance from the top thereof. The slot is open atthe bottom and closed at its uppermost portion and the sides thereof areinclined towards each other in an upward direction and T- shaped lockingmember 14a is slidably wedge fitted therein.

A roller attachment 44 shown in FIGS. 13 through 16 includes a plate 44awith arms 44b and 440 extending upwardly from opposed edges thereof.Plate 44a is generally rectangular in cross section except that theportion of the plate between the arms is generally arcuate (FIGS. 14 and15). A plastic roller 44d is freely rotatable and supported between thetops of the arms and is spaced from plate 44a. Located adjacent rearedge 44:: of plate 44a are raised T-shaped locking members 44f and 44g.The locking members are identical to each other in configuration and areeach raised to a position such that their heads are parallel to plate44a. The locking members are of such size and shape and are sopositioned with respect to each other that each locking member can bereceived in a different accessory T-shaped passageway beneath the steamdischarge portion of the steamer with the locking members abuttedagainst the rear edges of the slots in the bottom walls forming the neckof the T-shaped passageway. The roller is disposed slightly below thepath of steam leaving the discharge slot 30a.

A brush attachment 46 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 includes a plate 460having tufts of bristles 46b extending from its forward edge 46c.Locking members 46d and 46e integral with plate 4611 are parallel to theplate and raised therefrom as well as being positioned such that eachlocking member can be received within a T-shaped accessory passagewayformed beneath the steam discharge portion of the steamer.

In normal operation cap 17 is removed and water is poured into the coverand passes via the gap between baffle 28 and shelf 16v to the reservoircasing. The water enters the electrode casing through opening 38g andwhen the steamer is idle it is at the same level as the water in thereservoir casing. Preferably, the reservoir casing is filled only abouthalf way which prevents spillage when the steamer is held with theelectrodes in a horizontal position. A measuring cup can be provided forthis purpose. Shelf 16v prevents spillage at lesser angles of tiltingwhile walls 32b and 320 prevent spillage when the steamer is held sodischarge slot 30a is vertical or in'a near vertical position. Ifnecessary a little salt can be added to the water to ensure that thewater will be able to conduct current. The amount of salt, if any, to beadded will depend upon the amount and kind of inorganic salts in thelocal tap water. With power applied to the electrodes the water in theelectrode casing rises in temperature and starts to boil producing steamabove the water in said casing. The level of water in the electrodecasing determines the current flow between the electrodes. Thus, if theelectrode casing is full there will be more current flow between theelectrodes since more of the electrodes will be immersed in water andvice versa. The steam produced in the electrode casing leaves the casingthrough the restricted opening at the top thereof.

A major portion of the steam produced impinges on the bottom of baffle28 and on shelf 16v with the moisture content therein collecting andfalling into the reservoir casing. The steam then passes between thebaffle and shelf through member 32 to slot 30a. Of course, some steamwill not impinge against the baffle or shelf and will pass between theseelements or about the edges of the baffle directly to member 32. Therear wall 32a (FIG. 5) traps moisture from the steam as the steam isdirected to plate 30. This assists along with the baffle and shelf inmaking the steam as dry as possible to prevent spitting.

If more than the designed safe amount of current is applied to theelectrodes and steam is formed more rapidly than can flow through therestricted openings at the top of the electrode casing, the pressure ofthe steam will build up within the electrode casing forcing some waterout of said casing through the opening in the bottom thereof into thereservoir casing. This will immediately and automatically limit theamount of steam that can be fonned since less water is in the electrodecasing. Additionally, the amount of current passed between theelectrodes is reduced since less water is in the electrode casing andless of the electrodes are immersed.

When the steamer is used the fabric being steamed stretches over thearcuate concave plate aiding in removing large wrinkles, etc. The use ofthe roller against a freshly steamed surface assists in forming creasesand in stretching a fabric so that the creases therein can be removed.By having the roller plastic the steam issuing from slot 30a will notcondense thereon and no water droplets will be transferred from theroller onto a fabric being steamed and will not leave water stains, etc.The brush attachment may be connected to the accessory attaching meansand passed over freshly steamed fabric to remove lint therefrom.

Walls 32b and 32c are not in contact with ambient air on their outsidesurfaces but said surfaces are in contact with steam and thus arerelatively warm and will not condense any steam which assists inpreventing the discharge of water droplets.

It is to be noted that casing 38 aside from assisting in controlling theamount of steam that is produced also increases the rate at which saidsteam can be produced. This is because the electrodes are immersed in arelatively small quantity of water in the electrode casing which can berapidly brought to a boil and are not immersed in the larger quantity ofwater in the reservoir casing which would take a substantially longerperiod of time to be converted to steam.

Baffle 28 and shelf 16v prevent the insertion of metal implements intothe electrode chambers through the steam discharge slot 300 and throughthe opening on top portion 16a when cap 18 is removed and thus precludeshock hazards.

It is to be noted that the electrodes are spaced from the walls of theelectrode casing so that if salts cake on the reservoir walls as aresult of precipitation (e.g., Ca(l-lCO CaCO there will not be a shortcircuit through the caked salt between the electrodes. Baffle 28 alsoprevents a continuous path of caked salt from one electrode chamber tothe other over the top edge and caked salt cannot accumulate there. Thishelps prevent current from being transferred directly between theelectrodes.

It thus will be seen that there is provided a device which achieves thevarious objects of the invention and which is well adapted to meet theconditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention,and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth,it is to be understood that all matter herein described or shown in theaccompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

Having thus described the present invention there is claimed as new anddesired to be secured by Letters Patent:

1. A hand-held steamer for treating clothing and the like comprising areservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoircasing, selectively closeable water intake means fixed relative to saidcasing for receiving water for the reservoir casing, an electrodecasing, two electrodes in said casing to produce steam in the casing byflow of current between the electrodes, said electrode casing beinglocated in said reservoir casing and extending partially below the levelof water in the reservoir, said electrode casing having a restrictedsteam discharge opening, a steam discharge means in continuouscommunication with said restricted steam discharge opening for receivingthe steam issuing from the steam discharge opening and via which steamis directed against clothing and the like and means providing apassageway adjacent the bottom of the electrode casing for allowingwater to flow from the reservoir casing into the electrode casing, thewater flowing out of the electrode casing when the restricted dischargeopening prevents discharge of steam as rapidly as it is produced wherebyto reduce the flow of current between the electrodes.

2. A hand-held steamer according to claim 1 wherein said steam dischargemeans is located on said cover, a steam-guiding member fixed relative tosaid cover, said steam-guiding member defining a continuously opensteam-guiding channel with said steam-guiding channel in communicationwith said steam discharge means.

3. A hand-held steamer according to claim 2 wherein said steam dischargemeans includes a plate secured to said cover, said plate including asteam discharge slot with said steamguiding channel in communicationwith said discharge slot.

4. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining areservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, water intake meansfor receiving water for the reservoir casing, an electrode casing, twoelectrodes in said casing to produce steam in the casing by flow ofcurrent between the electrodes, said electrode casing being located insaid reservoir casing and extending partially below the level of waterin the reservoir, said electrode casing having restricted steamdischarge opening, a steam discharge means for receiving the steamissuing from the steam discharge opening and means providing apassageway adjacent the bottom of the electrode casing for allowingwater to flow from the reservoir casing into the electrode casing, thewater flowing out the electrode casing when the restricted dischargeopening prevents discharge of steam as rapidly as it is produced wherebyto reduce the flow of current between the electrodes, said coverincluding a first wall, a cavity formed in said first wall and includinga cavity base wall, a pair of opposed parallel walls extending from saidcavity wall into the interior of said cover, a first partition extendingfrom said cavity wall to the interior of said cover with said opposedwalls flanking said first partition, said cover including opposed sides,a second partition extending between said opposed sides and in contactwith the said opposed walls and said first partition to form electrodehead chambers, a top portion of each of said electrodes received in therespective electrode head chambers, means extending through said cavitybase wall and into each of said electrode head chambers and in circuitwith each of said electrodes for enabling said electrodes to beconnected to a power source.

5. A hand-held steamer according to claim 4 further comprising a thirdpartition defining a bottom for each of said electrode head chambers andeach of said electrodes extending through said third partition and intosaid electrode casing.

6. A hand-held steamer according to claim 5 wherein a flange extendsoutwardly from each of said opposed parallel walls, a pin depends fromeach of said flanges, said electrode casing including opposed flanges atit uppermost portion with each of said flanges including pin-receivingopenings, said pins received in said pin-receiving openings in saidflanges to hold the electrode casing in place.

7. A hand-held steamer according to claim 1 wherein said steam dischargemeans includes a plate secured to said cover, said plate including asingle steam discharge slot, said slot extending transversely of saidplate and arranged so as to enable clothing and the like to be stretchedthereover.

8. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining areservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, water intake meansfor receiving water for the reservoir casing, an electrode casing, twoelectrodes in said casing to produce steam in the casing by flow ofcurrent between the electrodes, said electrode casing being located insaid reservoir casing and extending partially below the level of waterin the reservoir, said electrode casing having a restricted steamdischarge opening, a steam discharge means for receiving the steamissuing from the steam discharge opening and means providing apassageway adjacent the bottom of the electrode casing for allowingwater to flow from the reservoir casing into the electrode casing, thewater flowing out the electrode casing when the restricted dischargeopening prevents discharge of steam as rapidly as it is produced wherebyto reduce the flow of current between the electrodes, said steamdischarge means including a plate secured to said cover, said plateincluding a single steam discharge slot, a steam-guiding member beingfixed relative to said cover, said steam-guiding with said steam-guidingchannel in 9. A hand-held steamer according to claim 1 wherein saidcover includes accessory detachable attaching means adjacent saidsteamer discharge means.

10. A hand-held steamer according to claim 9 further including a rollerattachment, said roller attachment including a freely rotatable rollerwith said attachment secured to said ac cessory attachment means on saidcover.

11. A hand-held steamer according to claim 9 further including a brushattachment, said brush attachment including at least one brush securedto said brush attachment with said attachment secured to said accessoryattaching means on the said cover.

12. A handheld steamer according to claim 7 wherein said plate isexternally concave whereby clothing and the like which is being steamedcan be stretched thereover.

13. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining areservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, a steam dischargemeans on said cover, water intake means for receiving water which can betransferred to the reservoir, means for converting water placed in thereservoir to steam and for guiding the steam so produced to the steamdischarge means, and an accessory detachable attaching means beinglocated on said cover adjacent said steam discharge means for rigidlysecuring an accessory in a position adjacent said steam discharge meansand preventing accessory from moving relative to said cover.

14. A hand-held steamer according to claim 13 further a including abrush attachment, said brush attachment having at least one brush andincluding attaching means with said attaching means secured to saidaccessory attaching means on the said cover and said brushes extendingpast said steam discharge means.

15. A hand-held steamer according to claim 13 further including a rollerattachment, said roller attachment including a freely rotatable smoothsurfaced roller with said roller attachment secured to said accessoryattachment means on said cover. 7

16. A hand-held steamer according to claim 15 wherein said roller isplastic whereby steam does not condense thereon.

17. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining areservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, a steam dischargemeans located on said cover, selectively closeable and removable waterintake means fixed relative to said cover for receiving water which canbe transferred to the reservoir, a pair of spaced-apart electrodeselectrodes for producing steam and means for allowing the electrodes tobe immersed in water that is directed to the reservoir, means includingat least one surface area against which the steam impinges and on whichthe moisture therein is trapped before the steam reaches the steamdischarge means, means fixed relative to said cover and above saidelectrode for preventing access to said electrodes when said selectivelycloseable and removable water intake means is positioned to transferwater to the reservoir and defining at least one surface area againstwhich the steam impinges.

18. further claim 17 further including a shelf secured to said cover andextending toward said means secured to said cover and preventing accessto said electrodes but spaced therefrom, 'said shelf including at leastone surface area against which the steam impinges.

19. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining areservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, water intake meansfor receiving water to be transferred to the reservoir casing, twoelectrodes which can be partially immersed in the water producing steamby the flow of current between the electrodes, said cover including afirst wall, a cavity formed in said first wall and including a cavitybase wall, a pair of opposed parallel walls extending from said cavitywall into the interior of said cover, a first partition extending fromsaid cavity wall to the interior of said cover with said opposed wallsflanking said first partition, said cover including opposed sides, asecond partition extending between said opposed sides and in contactwith the said opposed walls and a first partition to form two electrodehead chambers, the top portion of each of said electrodes received inthe respective electrode head chambers, means extending through saidcavity base wall and into each of said for enabling said electrodes tobe connected to a power source, and a steam discharge means forreceiving the steam produced.

20. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further comprising meansincluding at least one surface area against which the steam impinges andon which the moisture therein is trapped before the steam reaches thesteam discharge means, a bafi'le secured to said cover and extendingover the uppermost portion of said electrode chambers to prevent accessto said electrodes and defining at least one surface area against whichthe steam impinges.

21. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further comprising amember having an internal channel attached to said rear wall with saidrear wall having an opening extending therethrough and said sidewalls ofsaidmember spaced from and adjacent the respective sides of said cover.

22. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further including meansfor preventing spillage when said cover sides are horizontal.

23. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further including anaccessory detachable attaching means located on said cover adjacent saidsteam discharge means.

24. A hand-held steamer for steaming clothing and the like including areservoir, means for receiving water which can be transferred to thereservoir, a steam discharge means, means for converting water placed inthe reservoir to steam and for guiding the plate through which steam isdischarged whereby the clothing and the like can be stretched againstsaid externally concave plate so as to be steamed.

25. A hand-held steamer according to claim 24 wherein said plateincludes a single discharge slot with said slot extending transverselyacross said plate.

26. A hand-held steamer including a reservoir, means for receiving waterwhich can be transferred to the reservoir, a steam discharge means,means for converting water placed in the reservoir to steam and forguiding the steam so produced to the steam discharge means, a freelyrotatable plastic roller selectively secured adjacent said steamdischarge means for applying a rolling force to an item being steamedwhereby steam issuing from the steam discharge means does not condenseon said roller due to its plastic composition.

27. A hand-held steamer according to claim 26 wherein said roller ispositioned slightly below said steam discharge means.

age I UMTED STATES PATENT orricr CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTEQN Patent No. 1646,317 Dated u y 29, 1972 Inventor) Leonard Osrow It is certified thaterror appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

i In claim 18, firso' line, insert before "further" --A hand heldsteamer according to claim 17 Signed and sealed this 22nd day of August1972.

SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M,FLETCER,JR. v ROBERT GOT'I'SCHALK Attesting Officer 7Commissioner of Patents UNHED STATES PATENT @FFEQE 5/89 A m? v eemmcmaoF eoamcmow Patent 646'3l7 Dated ruary 29, 1972 Inventor(s) Leonard IOWIt is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In claim 18, first line, insert before "further" --A hand held steameraccording to claim 17 Signed and sealed this 22nd day of August 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD I LFLETCHERJR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents

1. A hand-held steamer for treating clothing and the like comprising areservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoircasing, selectively closeable water intake means fixed relative to saidcasing for receiving water for the reservoir casing, an electrodecasing, two electrodes in said casing to produce steam in the casing byflow of current between the electrodes, said electrode casing beinglocated in said reservoir casing and extending partially below the levelof water in the reservoir, said electrode casing having a restrictedsteam discharge opening, a steam discharge means in continuouscommunication with said restricted steam discharge opening for receivingthe steam issuing from the steam discharge opening and via which steamis directed against clothing and the like and means providing apassageway adjacent the bottom of the electrode casing for allowingwater to flow from the reservoir casing into the electrode casing, thewater flowing out of the electrode casing when the restricted dischargeopening prevents discharge of steam as rapidly as it is produced wherebyto reduce the flow of current between the electrodes.
 2. A hand-heldsteamer according to claim 1 wherein said steam discharge means islocated on said cover, a steam-guiding member fixed relative to saidcover, said steam-guiding member defining a continuously opensteam-guiding channel with said steam-guiding channel in communicationwith said steam discharge means.
 3. A hand-held steamer according toclaim 2 wherein said steam discharge means includes a plate secured tosaid cover, said plate including a steam discharge Slot with saidsteam-guiding channel in communication with said discharge slot.
 4. Ahand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, acover secured to said reservoir casing, water intake means for receivingwater for the reservoir casing, an electrode casing, two electrodes insaid casing to produce steam in the casing by flow of current betweenthe electrodes, said electrode casing being located in said reservoircasing and extending partially below the level of water in thereservoir, said electrode casing having restricted steam dischargeopening, a steam discharge means for receiving the steam issuing fromthe steam discharge opening and means providing a passageway adjacentthe bottom of the electrode casing for allowing water to flow from thereservoir casing into the electrode casing, the water flowing out theelectrode casing when the restricted discharge opening preventsdischarge of steam as rapidly as it is produced whereby to reduce theflow of current between the electrodes, said cover including a firstwall, a cavity formed in said first wall and including a cavity basewall, a pair of opposed parallel walls extending from said cavity wallinto the interior of said cover, a first partition extending from saidcavity wall to the interior of said cover with said opposed wallsflanking said first partition, said cover including opposed sides, asecond partition extending between said opposed sides and in contactwith the said opposed walls and said first partition to form electrodehead chambers, a top portion of each of said electrodes received in therespective electrode head chambers, means extending through said cavitybase wall and into each of said electrode head chambers and in circuitwith each of said electrodes for enabling said electrodes to beconnected to a power source.
 5. A hand-held steamer according to claim 4further comprising a third partition defining a bottom for each of saidelectrode head chambers and each of said electrodes extending throughsaid third partition and into said electrode casing.
 6. A hand-heldsteamer according to claim 5 wherein a flange extends outwardly fromeach of said opposed parallel walls, a pin depends from each of saidflanges, said electrode casing including opposed flanges at it uppermostportion with each of said flanges including pin-receiving openings, saidpins received in said pin-receiving openings in said flanges to hold theelectrode casing in place.
 7. A hand-held steamer according to claim 1wherein said steam discharge means includes a plate secured to saidcover, said plate including a single steam discharge slot, said slotextending transversely of said plate and arranged so as to enableclothing and the like to be stretched thereover.
 8. A hand-held steamercomprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured tosaid reservoir casing, water intake means for receiving water for thereservoir casing, an electrode casing, two electrodes in said casing toproduce steam in the casing by flow of current between the electrodes,said electrode casing being located in said reservoir casing andextending partially below the level of water in the reservoir, saidelectrode casing having a restricted steam discharge opening, a steamdischarge means for receiving the steam issuing from the steam dischargeopening and means providing a passageway adjacent the bottom of theelectrode casing for allowing water to flow from the reservoir casinginto the electrode casing, the water flowing out the electrode casingwhen the restricted discharge opening prevents discharge of steam asrapidly as it is produced whereby to reduce the flow of current betweenthe electrodes, said steam discharge means including a plate secured tosaid cover, said plate including a single steam discharge slot, asteam-guiding member being fixed relative to said cover, saidsteam-guiding with said steam-guiding channel in
 9. A hand-held steameraccording to claim 1 wherein said cover inclUdes accessory detachableattaching means adjacent said steamer discharge means.
 10. A hand-heldsteamer according to claim 9 further including a roller attachment, saidroller attachment including a freely rotatable roller with saidattachment secured to said accessory attachment means on said cover. 11.A hand-held steamer according to claim 9 further including a brushattachment, said brush attachment including at least one brush securedto said brush attachment with said attachment secured to said accessoryattaching means on the said cover.
 12. A hand-held steamer according toclaim 7 wherein said plate is externally concave whereby clothing andthe like which is being steamed can be stretched thereover.
 13. Ahand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, acover secured to said reservoir casing, a steam discharge means on saidcover, water intake means for receiving water which can be transferredto the reservoir, means for converting water placed in the reservoir tosteam and for guiding the steam so produced to the steam dischargemeans, and an accessory detachable attaching means being located on saidcover adjacent said steam discharge means for rigidly securing anaccessory in a position adjacent said steam discharge means andpreventing accessory from moving relative to said cover.
 14. A hand-heldsteamer according to claim 13 further a including a brush attachment,said brush attachment having at least one brush and including attachingmeans with said attaching means secured to said accessory attachingmeans on the said cover and said brushes extending past said steamdischarge means.
 15. A hand-held steamer according to claim 13 furtherincluding a roller attachment, said roller attachment including a freelyrotatable smooth surfaced roller with said roller attachment secured tosaid accessory attachment means on said cover.
 16. A hand-held steameraccording to claim 15 wherein said roller is plastic whereby steam doesnot condense thereon.
 17. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoircasing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, asteam discharge means located on said cover, selectively closeable andremovable water intake means fixed relative to said cover for receivingwater which can be transferred to the reservoir, a pair of spaced-apartelectrodes electrodes for producing steam and means for allowing theelectrodes to be immersed in water that is directed to the reservoir,means including at least one surface area against which the steamimpinges and on which the moisture therein is trapped before the steamreaches the steam discharge means, means fixed relative to said coverand above said electrode for preventing access to said electrodes whensaid selectively closeable and removable water intake means ispositioned to transfer water to the reservoir and defining at least onesurface area against which the steam impinges.
 18. further claim 17further including a shelf secured to said cover and extending towardsaid means secured to said cover and preventing access to saidelectrodes but spaced therefrom, said shelf including at least onesurface area against which the steam impinges.
 19. A hand-held steamercomprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured tosaid reservoir casing, water intake means for receiving water to betransferred to the reservoir casing, two electrodes which can bepartially immersed in the water producing steam by the flow of currentbetween the electrodes, said cover including a first wall, a cavityformed in said first wall and including a cavity base wall, a pair ofopposed parallel walls extending from said cavity wall into the interiorof said cover, a first partition extending from said cavity wall to theinterior of said cover with said opposed walls flanking said firstpartition, said cover including opposed sides, a second partitionextending between said opposed sides and in contact with the saidopposed walls and a first partitiOn to form two electrode head chambers,the top portion of each of said electrodes received in the respectiveelectrode head chambers, means extending through said cavity base walland into each of said for enabling said electrodes to be connected to apower source, and a steam discharge means for receiving the steamproduced.
 20. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 furthercomprising means including at least one surface area against which thesteam impinges and on which the moisture therein is trapped before thesteam reaches the steam discharge means, a baffle secured to said coverand extending over the uppermost portion of said electrode chambers toprevent access to said electrodes and defining at least one surface areaagainst which the steam impinges.
 21. A hand-held steamer according toclaim 19 further comprising a member having an internal channel attachedto said rear wall with said rear wall having an opening extendingtherethrough and said sidewalls of said member spaced from and adjacentthe respective sides of said cover.
 22. A hand-held steamer according toclaim 19 further including means for preventing spillage when said coversides are horizontal.
 23. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19further including an accessory detachable attaching means located onsaid cover adjacent said steam discharge means.
 24. A hand-held steamerfor steaming clothing and the like including a reservoir, means forreceiving water which can be transferred to the reservoir, a steamdischarge means, means for converting water placed in the reservoir tosteam and for guiding the plate through which steam is dischargedwhereby the clothing and the like can be stretched against saidexternally concave plate so as to be steamed.
 25. A hand-held steameraccording to claim 24 wherein said plate includes a single dischargeslot with said slot extending transversely across said plate.
 26. Ahand-held steamer including a reservoir, means for receiving water whichcan be transferred to the reservoir, a steam discharge means, means forconverting water placed in the reservoir to steam and for guiding thesteam so produced to the steam discharge means, a freely rotatableplastic roller selectively secured adjacent said steam discharge meansfor applying a rolling force to an item being steamed whereby steamissuing from the steam discharge means does not condense on said rollerdue to its plastic composition.
 27. A hand-held steamer according toclaim 26 wherein said roller is positioned slightly below said steamdischarge means.